Crack closure of reinforced concrete by electrodeposition technique

Abstract The electrodeposition method for rehabilitation of cracked reinforced concrete, based on the electrochemical technique, is presented here. Investigations on reinforced concrete beams of size 15×15×125 cm were conducted in this study. Specimens cracked by chloride attack for 18 months were immersed in a ZnSO 4 solution, and were applied with a constant current for 8 weeks. The development of crack closure due to the precipitation of electrodeposits (ZnO) was evaluated. Water permeability, chloride ion concentration, polarization curve and half-cell potential were measured in order to assess the effectiveness of this method in the improvement of concrete properties. The results indicate that electrodeposits formed on the concrete surface were able to close the concrete cracks and to decrease the concrete permeability. In addition, the investigation shows that the application of electrodeposition have effects on the desalination of concrete and re-passivity of the reinforcing steel in concrete.